FDNY Firefighter Joann Diaz

FDNY Lieutenant Joann Diaz has had a groundbreaking 23-year career. When she graduated from the Fire Academy, she became one of 27 women firefighters on the job at the time. She was also the first Latina to achieve the rank of lieutenant in 2021.
She received her start at the FDNY as a Fire Cadet and is now the Uniformed Deputy Director of the Fire Cadet Academy. “I work with an amazing group of people who have one set goal in mind, all working together to run a program that gives back to the communities we serve by preparing young adults from around the city for successful careers in the fire service,” said Lieutenant Joann Diaz.
Lt. Diaz recalls her time as a Fire Cadet being challenging. She credits mentors and instructors for her success, and she’s hoping to do the same for the nearly 100 new Fire Cadets who began their journey in June. “It makes me more relatable and helped me establish a good relationship with the Cadets. I want to lead them on the right path.”